Stick Sport Training Frame With Snap-Fit Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stick sport training devices, such as those for hockey and floorball, face challenges in ease of assembly and stability due to time-consuming screw-based connections that often become loose during use.
Innovation Solution
A training device comprising cross-members, support columns, and pins connected via snap-fits, allowing for easy assembly and reconfiguration, with elastic materials ensuring stability and preventing interdependent movement, while maintaining structural integrity through annular steps and snap-fitting beads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw bolts are used to connect cross-members and support columns, then the connection is strong and stable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and screw connections become loose during use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: cross-members with end openings, support columns with cross-wall openings, and separate pins with snap-fitting beads. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly by simply inserting pins into the pre-formed openings, eliminating the time-consuming process of screw assembly while maintaining connection stability through the snap-fit mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a snap-fit mechanism. The pin features snap-fitting beads that engage with the end opening and cross-wall opening, creating a stable connection through elastic deformation rather than threaded mechanical engagement. This substitution eliminates screws entirely, resolving both the time-consuming assembly issue and the problem of screws becoming loose during use.
2Ease of operation
If pins with snap-fits are used to connect components, then assembly is quick and easy, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameters of the pin and cross-member are specifically designed to enable snap-fit connection. The pin is made of elastic material that can deform to pass through the opening and then rebound to create a secure connection. The end opening includes an annular step that provides a stopping point for the snap-fitting bead, ensuring proper engagement depth. These parameter changes allow the simple snap-fit operation to achieve structural integrity equivalent to or exceeding traditional screw connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system utilizes composite structural design where the pin combines elastic material properties for the snap-fit function with appropriate structural properties for load-bearing. The cross-member and support column are designed with reinforced opening areas to distribute stresses. This composite approach ensures that the easy-to-assemble snap-fit connection maintains sufficient structural integrity for the intended application.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cross-members are fixed rigidly to support columns, then structural stability is improved, but reconfiguration and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static rigid fixed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The pin can be easily inserted and removed from the cross-member and support column, allowing the structure to be dynamically reconfigured. When assembled, the snap-fit provides sufficient stability for use; when disassembled, it enables quick reconfiguration. This dynamic capability satisfies both structural stability during use and adaptability for reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized pin and opening design creates a universal connection system that can be used in multiple configurations. The same pin-type connection works for connecting cross-members to support columns, connecting multiple cross-members together, and potentially other applications. This universality enables the structure to be easily reconfigured for different training device arrangements while maintaining consistent structural stability across all connections.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention generally relates to training devices used in the stick sports, particularly hockey, floorball and rural hockey, to improve users or corresponding stick sport players stick- handling abilities. A training device comprises at least three cross-members (10) that are connected to each other by means of support columns (20) and said connection is provided by means of a pin (30).